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It is remarkable that over 2,400 samples of commercial milk, supplied to the
inhabitants during five years, should give an average ot 3.7 per cent, milk fat and
12.5 total solids; this is well in excess of the legal standards.
Cream.— Of 49 samples of cream examined, one only was adulterated in a
technical sense, that is, it contained some 11 grains of boric acid to the pound and it
was sold with no notice of the fact; 19 of the 49 contained boric acid in quantities
from 6 up to 13 grains per pound.
One sample had a content of milk fat of only 23 per cent. ; on the other hand
many yielded over 50 and eyen 60 per cent, milk fat—, the mean of the whole being
49 per cent, milk fat.
As compared with the previous year, the creams were richer in fat, and there
was a distinct increase in the number of creams sold without any antiseptic or
preservative addition.
Spirits.— 10 samples of spirits, 9 of whiskey and 1 of gin, were taken during
the year, the samples were "test" samples, for the majority of licensed victuallers
evade the Sale of Food and Drugs Act quite successfully by a general notice in or
near the bar to the effect that the spirits sold are diluted below standard. Of the
10 samples, three of whiskey were found to be reduced by the addition of water below
the legal standard of 25 degrees under proof.
Miscellaneous Samples.— The remaining samples were of great variety, all
genuine, but the number is too small to justify any special comment.
May 25th, 1916. A. WYNTER BLYTH.
PUBLIC HEALTH (MILK AND CREAM) REGULATIONS, 1912.
The following report submitted in accordance with requirements of the Local
Government Board, with regard to the administration of these regulations contains
some interesting information :—
1. Milk; and Cream not sold as Preserved Cream.
(a) Number of samples (b) Number in which a
examined for the pre- preservative was resence
of a preservative. ported to be present.
Milk 502 1*
Cream 30 1
Nature of preservative in each case in column (b), and action taken under the
regulations in regard to it *Boracic acid 6½ grains per pint. Committee decided
not to prosecute.
2. Cream sold as Preserved Cream.
(a) Instances in which samples have been submitted for analysis to ascertain
if the statements on the label as to preservatives were correct.
(i.) Correct statements made 20
(ii.) Statements incorrect —
Total
20